Abstract
Welding is used throughout the world in refineries, thermal power plants, chemical facilities, and pressurized containers, and the welders are exposed to toxic heavy metals, electromagnetic fields, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, and ultraviolet radiations. In the present study, 59 welders and an equal number of control subjects were assessed for DNA damage in the lymphocytes using the comet assay. Heavy metals such as lead (Pb), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), and cadmium (Cd) levels in the scalp hair of the subjects were evaluated by using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The results of the current study showed that DNA damage in the lymphocytes of welders (121.8 ± 10.7) was significantly higher as compared with controls (56.5 ± 17.6) (P < 0.001). Besides, the levels of Pb, Fe, Ni, Cr, Mn, and Cd were remarkably higher in the scalp hair of workers as compared with the control group (P < 0.001). Regression analysis showed a prominent association between the heavy metals and total comet score (TCS) in the exposed subjects. Age and duration of occupational exposure had significant effects (P < 0.05) on TCS values. Our results concluded that occupational exposure to welding fumes may cause DNA damage and can lead to important health hazards in the workers.
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